A Western Conference personnel expert confirmed reports that the Knicks have offered veteran power forward Malik Rose to Portland as part of a deal for small forward Darius Miles.

The Trail Blazers don't want Rose's long-term deal but are interested in the expiring contract of Antonio Davis.

The Knicks continue to try and acquire either Ruben Patterson or Darius Miles from Portland.

The Blazers want expiring contracts in return while the Knicks are offering Malik Rose.

The Knicks were re buffed by the Blazers in their attempt to ob tain Theo Ratliff and Darius Miles, according to Peter Vecsey of the New York Post.

Portland may have been a bit tempted to trade Ratliff, had Isiah offered Tim Thomas instead of Penny Hardaway. Then again, it's hard to believe Nate McMillan would consent to dealing his best shot-blocker and rebounder when much-improved backup Joel Przybilla can't be re-signed until the summer.

Miles is being counted on to carry the team's offense and, therefore, is untouchable.

Al Harrington is another tantalizing target of the Knicks, to name one of about 20 teams. The arrival of Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams figure to make Isiah's former pet Pacer largely extraneous, yet it's doubtful the Knicks have fair compensation to exchange.

In view of the Knicks' lack of leadership and delinquent defense at both guard slots (and beyond), it's logical to expect Eric Snow to show up sooner than later now that Eddy Curry is on board. His care-taking of the ball alongside Allen Iverson worked wonders for Larry Brown and it stands to reason the veteran, currently competing with Damon Jones for the Cavaliers' starting point guard position, would be perfect opposite Stephon Marbury. Snow's straight-forward style would also accelerate the team's progress in adapting to Brown's personality.